Top 10 players to play for both FC Barcelona & Manchester United

Manchester United and FC Barcelona are two of the most iconic football clubs in the world. With rich histories and trophy-laden legacies, both clubs have dominated their domestic leagues for decades. They have also made their mark in Europe, lifting the Champions League trophy multiple times and showcasing their dominance on the biggest stage.

In recent years, however, both clubs have faced challenges. From managerial changes to financial struggles and squad rebuilds, United and Barça are currently navigating through periods of transition. Despite these hurdles, their global fanbases remain massive, and the desire to return to the top is stronger than ever.

Though they share many similarities — from their winning traditions to their attacking philosophies — there's also a fierce sense of rivalry between the two. Whether it’s clashes in European finals or competing for the biggest stars, Manchester United and Barcelona are always in the spotlight.

Over the years, both clubs have been dream destinations for world-class players. But interestingly, only a select few have had the honor of wearing both the red of Manchester United and the blaugrana of Barcelona.

So, let’s take a look at the rare group of players who have played for both Manchester United and FC Barcelona.

10. Victor Valdes 

Victor Valdés is a name that fans instantly associate with FC Barcelona rather than Manchester United. A product of Barça’s famed youth academy, Valdés was a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering team and played a vital role in one of the most dominant eras in the club’s history.

After spending 14 successful years at the Catalan club, Valdés sought a new challenge and moved to Manchester United. However, things didn’t go as planned. Overshadowed by David De Gea, Valdés managed just two appearances in two seasons, and his time at Old Trafford ultimately marked a low point in an otherwise stellar career.

9. Henrik Larsson

Henrik Larsson, the legendary Swedish striker, is best known for his incredible spell at Celtic, where he became a fan favorite by scoring an astonishing 174 goals in just 221 appearances. His prolific form caught the attention of European giants, and in 2004, he made a high-profile move to FC Barcelona.

However, Larsson’s time in Spain didn’t quite live up to expectations. Although he contributed to the team’s success, he only managed to score 13 goals over two seasons. After his stint with Barcelona, Larsson returned to Sweden, seemingly winding down his career.

But in 2007, he was handed a surprising and exciting opportunity when Manchester United brought him in on a short-term loan. Even at 35, Larsson showed flashes of his brilliance and professionalism during his brief time at Old Trafford.

8. Laurent Blanc

Laurent Blanc is a true legend in world football, known for his incredible success both on the pitch and on the sidelines. He was a rock-solid center-back and part of the French team that won the World Cup in 1998. Blanc’s playing career saw him shine at some of Europe’s biggest clubs — starting out at Montpellier in France, then moving on to Napoli in Italy, Barcelona in Spain, Inter Milan back in Italy, Marseille in France, and finally finishing at Manchester United in England. His journey through these top teams shows just how highly regarded he was as a player.

7. Jordi Cruyff

Jordi Cruyff, the son of football legend Johan Cruyff, is currently serving as the sporting advisor at FC Barcelona. Like his father, Jordi came through the Ajax youth academy before making the move to Barcelona.

While he followed in Johan’s footsteps, Jordi wasn’t able to reach the same iconic heights. His time at Barça lasted just two years before he moved on to Manchester United. Unfortunately, he also struggled to make a big impact there, managing only 34 appearances over four seasons.

6. Mark Hughes 

Mark Hughes is currently managing Bradford City in England's third tier, a role that doesn’t quite reflect the achievements of this Welsh football legend. Hughes enjoyed an illustrious playing career, representing some of the biggest clubs in Europe. He came through the youth system at Manchester United and eventually earned a move to FC Barcelona. However, he struggled to replicate his form in Spain and soon returned to Old Trafford. Back at United, he found his stride again, making 256 appearances and scoring 83 goals.

5. Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay is the latest name to make a move this season, joining Atletico Madrid during the winter transfer window after spending two years at FC Barcelona. A product of PSV's youth academy, Depay rose to prominence in 2015 when he scored 22 goals in a single season — a performance that earned him a big-money move to Manchester United.

However, his time at Old Trafford was underwhelming. Depay struggled to adapt both on and off the pitch and was frequently criticised for his attitude, which eventually led to his departure after just one season.

He rediscovered his form at Lyon, impressing with consistent performances and earning another shot at the big stage when Barcelona signed him on a free transfer in 2021. But once again, he failed to meet expectations at the Camp Nou.

Now, Depay will be hoping to revive his career at Atletico Madrid.

4. Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sánchez is one of the most accomplished players in Chilean football history and has had the rare honor of playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Currently turning out for Marseille in France, the dynamic winger has previously starred for football giants like Inter Milan, FC Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

Sánchez joined Barcelona in 2011 and spent three seasons at the club. While he showed flashes of brilliance, breaking into a regular starting role was tough with world-class talents like Lionel Messi and Pedro ahead of him. In 2014, he made a move to Arsenal, where he truly made his mark—lighting up the Premier League with his goals, flair, and tireless work rate. His standout performances earned him a high-profile switch to Manchester United during the 2017/18 winter transfer window.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimović has had one of the most remarkable journeys in football, playing for some of the biggest clubs across Europe. Two of the most notable stops in his career were FC Barcelona and Manchester United.

In 2009, Ibrahimović joined Barcelona in a high-profile deal that saw Inter Milan receive a large fee plus Samuel Eto’o. However, his time at the Camp Nou didn’t go as planned. Despite his talent, Zlatan struggled to fit into Pep Guardiola’s tactical system, leading to tension between the two. After just one season, he was loaned out to AC Milan.

Following a successful stint at Milan, Ibrahimović moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he became a club legend. He later joined Manchester United on a free transfer, where he quickly silenced critics who doubted his ability to perform in the Premier League. Zlatan made an immediate impact, helping United win the League Cup and the Europa League. Unfortunately, a serious knee injury cut his time in England short.

2. Gerard Piqué 

club’s history—second only to Carles Puyol. He began his senior career in 2004 with Manchester United, who signed him from Barça’s famed youth academy, La Masia. During his four years in England, Piqué made just 12 appearances, struggling to find consistent playing time.

In 2008, he returned home to FC Barcelona—a dream move for the lifelong Barça fan. Over the next 14 years, Piqué became a cornerstone of the team’s defense, helping the club to an era of incredible success. He won every major trophy with Barça, including multiple La Liga titles, Champions League trophies, and domestic cups, before retiring in 2022. His legacy is etched in the history of the club he always called home.

1. Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford is set to be unveiled as a Barcelona player after the Spanish giants reached a verbal agreement with Manchester United for a season-long loan, which includes an option to buy.

Despite a few underwhelming seasons, Rashford is still widely regarded as one of the most gifted forwards of his generation. Expectations were once sky-high at Old Trafford, but his time at Manchester United has come to an unfortunate end.

Now, he joins one of football’s most historic clubs in a bid to reignite his career and remind the world why he's considered one of the best English talents in the game.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports